Pangasinan under state of calamity

LINGAYEN -- Flood-stricken Pangasinan has been placed under a state of calamity during a special session of the Provincial Board on Thursday.

Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr., presiding officer, said the declaration, was among others, for humanitarian reason.

"This special session was convened to decide the public clamor substantiated by the report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC)," he said.

"This is for the people to be able to prepare, also, an additional reason for localities and local government units and national agencies to extend further assistance to the affected individuals," he added.

Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan said the declaration will allow municipalities use their respective calamity funds in their relief and rescue operations.

Baraan said the declaration will also open special windows for members of Pag-ibig, Social Security System and Government Service Insurance Corporation to avail of calamity loans.

Based on the report of PDRRMC chief Fernando de Guzman, initial estimated damages to agriculture is pegged at P4,892,150 and initial damages to infrastructure is at P141,175,000.

Meanwhile, at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Governor Amado Espino Jr. announced the suspension of classes Friday, in all levels in the province. This is due to the massive flooding in most towns due to the non-stop rains for several days. (Sunnex)